We are a childcare setting located in the heart of North Dorset, between Blandford Forum and Sturminster Newton, on the premises of St. Nicholas Primary School, in the village of Child Okeford. We open from 8.00am until 6.00pm for 50 weeks per year, closing for one week at the end of August and one week at Christmas. We are a community group, a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
Our Baby Room has space for up to six babies under two years of age. Staff within the room create a safe, caring, calm and homely atmosphere that complements home routines as much as possible. Each baby and child has their own key worker who carefully plans appropriate activities for their individual interests and age and stage of development.
Our Toddler Room has space for up to eight children per session. The Toddler Room is designed to create a calm and engaging atmosphere where children develop their own individuality and opinions, and learn how to build relationships with their peers and familiar adults.
In our Pre-school Room we make learning fun, build positive relationships and promote children’s confidence and independence.
We provide a variety of activities to cover all areas of learning. Our activities are mainly child-led with a small number of adult-led, planned activities. Activities include large and small construction; mark-making; painting; music; puzzles; games; ICT; books; role play; using malleable materials; the sand and water trays and small world toys.
Our Breakfast, After School and Holiday Clubs for school aged children take place in The Raft.
The Raft was opened in July 2019 primarily for children aged 5-11 years. Breakfast Club runs from 8.00am until 8.45am, and our After School Club runs from 3.15pm until 6.00pm during term time. Holiday Club runs from 8.00am until 6.00pm during school holidays.
